Mercedes will have a plethora of drivers on their radar when considering who will fill the void left by Lewis Hamilton, and one contender they are contemplating is Fernando Alonso.
The 42-year-old not only holds the title of being the most seasoned individual on the Formula 1 grid but has also demonstrated his agility by consistently securing podium finishes for Aston Martin in the previous season.
Andrew Benson, a journalist with BBC Sport, shared on The Chequered Flag Podcast that Mercedes is mulling over the prospect of recruiting the two-time world champion.
With numerous drivers’ contracts expiring at the close of 2024, Toto Wolff won’t find himself wanting for alternatives in replacing Lewis Hamilton.
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Hamilton’s move to Ferrari sent shockwaves throughout the racing community, heralding a twelve-month countdown until the 39-year-old graces the track in the iconic red ensemble.
Carlos Sainz appears to have missed out on a contract renewal with Ferrari and has been associated with filling Hamilton’s shoes at Mercedes.
Martin Brundle has hinted at the possibility of Esteban Ocon reuniting with Mercedes after progressing through their driver development programme.
Nevertheless, Fernando Alonso has emerged as an unexpected inclusion in the roster of drivers Mercedes may pursue for the forthcoming year.
While his tenure with McLaren didn’t unfold as anticipated, partly due to Mercedes’s involvement with the team, that is a bygone era.
If Aston Martin fails to produce a championship-winning car this season, a final stint with Mercedes might entice the Spaniard as he continues to pursue his 33rd victory.
Benson remarked on the potential recruits for the Silver Arrows, stating, “I know that [Fernando] Alonso’s on the list. I do, I know that for a fact.”
“It’s unbelievable considering what happened between Mercedes and Alonso in 2007 during the Spygate era and there was always this suggestion from Mercedes that we would never touch him with a barge pole,” he added.
However, with a new CEO at Mercedes and the predicament following Hamilton’s departure, Alonso could prove an attractive prospect to fill the vacuum.
If Alonso makes himself available to Mercedes for 2025, he is likely to be a top priority.
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He would probably seek a contract extending into the 2026 regulations, coinciding well with the anticipated arrival of Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Having made an impression at Aston Martin, Alonso’s contribution to the team has been commended by legendary driver Alain Prost.
While he remains driven to succeed with the British outfit, the allure of a faster car from Mercedes might be difficult to resist at this juncture in his career.